Abstract

The Nigerian fourth republic poses the problem of adjustment for the higher cadre of the countryâ€™s civil service. Civil service under the prolonged military regime had for the best part, combined political and bureaucratic roles. The return to democratic administration in 1999 implied the shedding of the role of policy articulation. The presidential democracy also imposes additional context for political restructuring by the civil service. This paper examines some hindrances to achieving effective and efficient civil service in Nigeria despite the successes recorded over the period. It is however the position of this paper that there is a need for fundamental overhaul of civil service system in Nigeria in order to meet the developmental needs and the challenges of the modern world.